(Community Recognition Statement, 16 February 2021, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

On behalf of the Sydney electorate, I commend the work of the 'Save the Green Park Hotel' campaign whose members advocated to retain the historic 128 year-old Green Park Hotel in Darlinghurst as a hotel, after it was announced that it was sold in late 2020.

The Green Park Hotel has held community and cultural significance for over a century and has been widely recognised as a safe space and meeting hub for the LGBTQI+ community. Campaigners worked hard to oppose the sale of the heritage listed building, gaining more than 7,000 signatures on their online petition. The work of the campaigners encouraged much needed conversation in both local and state government about the importance of safeguarding pubs and significant community cultural heritage. In conjunction with Save the Green Park's community advocacy, Deputy Lord Mayor Jess Scully unanimous motion gained City of Sydney Council support for investigating measures to protect significant community built and social heritage assets. Campaigners have ensured that the sense of community that this pub has engendered for over a century will not be lost. I congratulate them on their continued efforts in what was a devastating blow to the Darlinghurst community.